LPO launches conducting fellowship promoting diversity and inclusivity

The London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) has opened applications for a new Conducting Fellowship designed to promote diversity and inclusivity in classical music by supporting conductors from backgrounds currently under-represented in the profession.

Two early-career conductors will be chosen as fellows, working intensively with the orchestra for 6-8 weeks over the 2023/24 season, with a view to forming a longer-term relationship with the orchestra. The successful candidates will receive opportunities to conduct the orchestra, as well as guidance from LPO principal conductor Edward Gardner.

Gardner said: ‘I am thrilled that we at the LPO are taking the work of improving diversity and inclusion in our profession seriously and inaugurating this new scheme… I am honoured to be involved in guiding the two successful candidates as I am passionate about developing the next generation of talented conductors.’

During the application process, applicants will need to self-identify their eligibility which may include, but is not limited to, gender identity, race, socio-economic background, neurodiversity, disability and special educational needs. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a background and training in orchestral conducting, as well as an ability to develop and conduct programmes.

Applications from conductors based in the UK will be prioritised. The LPO Conducting Fellowship is supported by Patricia Haitink, wife of the late Bernard Haitink, with fees in line with the LPO’s rates for early career conductors.

The deadline for applications will be 9am on 21 October 2022 with auditions scheduled to take place in London in January 2023. You can find more information, including an application form for the fellowship, here.